We were lucky to catch up with Katisha aka Ink by Tisha (artist name) Farrell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Katisha aka Ink by Tisha (artist name) thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was deciding to step out on my own and open InkySPA Tattoo Studio. For years, I worked in other artists’ shops, even helping some run their businesses while balancing my own clients. I had stability in those spaces, and it would have been easy to just stay comfortable. But deep down, I knew I was being called to create something bigger, something the industry hadn’t seen before. The risk was huge. I was leaving behind the security of working in established shops, stepping away from places like 9Mag that gave me a platform, and putting everything I had, time, money, and energy into a vision that people didn’t quite understand at first: A Tattoo Spa. On top of that, I had the weight of being a Black woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, which added extra pressure to prove myself.
I remember sitting down with asking myself and praying to God: Do I play it safe, or do I bet on myself? I chose to bet on me. It wasn’t easy, there were setbacks, zoning issues, and moments where I felt the odds were stacked against me but I pushed through because I believed in my vision.
That risk turned out to be the best decision I could have made. Today, InkySPA is not just a business it’s a first-of-its-kind space that fuses body art and esthetics, giving clients an experience they can’t find anywhere else. The risk taught me that comfort never creates change, but courage does.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Katisha Farrell, but many know me as Tisha or “Ink by Tisha” in the tattoo industry. I was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, the oldest girl of nine children. Growing up in a big household, life was loud, busy, and often a struggle. We didn’t have much, but we had each other, and that gave me the strength that still lives in me today.
I remember hot summer days playing outside when times felt carefree, fire hydrant water spraying in the streets, Kool-Aid icees in hand, and neighborhood talent shows where my sisters and I would sing and dance like we were Aaliyah & Destiny’s Child (Oh those were the days!) But I also remember the hard days, the struggles, drive-by shootings, and the weight of responsibility that came with being the oldest girl.
Those experiences built resilience and gave me a hunger to create a different path for myself eventually art became my outlet, my way of expressing everything I couldn’t always say out loud.
How it all started I was a model back in the day and I loved being in front of the camera. I used to be in music videos, help organize photoshoots for Chicago artist and soon worked my way into the entertainment industry as a thriving young women trying to become someone. I remember auditioning for shows such as Americas Next Top Model & Bad Girls Club. I was young, hungry and fearless I knew I had to work my way up to the top as a young black girl who grew up in the streets of Chicago. My goal was to build a lasting brand that now has evolved into the very essence of me. Fast forward to present day I’ve now been tattooing for 15 years.
My journey into tattooing began during my college days back in 2009-2010. I remember my big brother coming home with tattoos and I immediately was drawn to the ink. He took me to get my first tattoo and I fell in love with the art of tattooing, the culture, and how it felt. It hurt but it felt good at the same time. I was intrigued by the art designs that fact that you could actually wear Art. The way it made you feel a sense of freedom and form of expression and from there I started my tattoo journey. I started getting more tattoos, hanging around more tattoo artist, eventually wanting to learn the trade of tattooing. I don’t why this was introduced into my life but it was at a time when I needed something like this to slow me down, something I could really focus in on and learn a new craft. I was excited I started reading more, watching more videos, documentaries, learning from others in the industry. I was determined to become a tattoo artist. I then started investing into tattoo supplies so I can attempt my first tattoo or at least try. I remember being scared but also courageous. I bought my first tattoo kit off eBay for $40 and I held it a secret for a few months. I had to get enough practice drawing and using fake skin to show others I can actually tattoo. I was already an artist I just didn’t know or recognize my talent the way I do today. I finally got the courage to show and tell people, I kept saying “I can tattoo let me show you”, I’m sure I looked like a joke to many but there were some people who believed in me. They let me practice on them when didn’t quite know what I was doing. Shoutout to all my people at the beginning of my career when I was literally just learning, they took a chance and believed in me. Thank Yall know who you are. Nevertheless It took years for practice to improve to get better and I’m still learning every tattoo I do. As a self taught artist working from my grandmas basement when I was searching for new ways to channel my creativity. With no formal training, I picked up a tattoo machine and taught myself. My very first clients sat in the basement of my grandmother’s house, trusting me to mark their skin with something meaningful.
From those humble beginnings, my passion and skill grew. I started gaining recognition for cover-ups, taking old ink that people no longer connected with and transforming it into something beautiful. Word spread, and soon I was traveling, attending tattoo conventions, and learning from artists across the country.
In 2020, my path led me to 9MAG Tattoo Shop (Black Ink Chicago), one of the most recognized studios in the industry. Working alongside the talented Tattoo Artist Ryan Henry and a team of powerhouse artists was a defining moment for me, it showed me that the girl who started in her grandma’s basement had earned her place among the best.
Then in 2022, I experienced a milestone that went beyond just personal achievement. At the Villain Arts Tattoo Convention in Rosemont, IL, I was recognized as the “Cover-Up Queen of Chicago.” and as the Only Black Woman Tattoo Artist there showcasing my work and promoting my brand, a moment that was both humbling and eye opening. Later, The Columbia Chronicle of Chicago featured my story, cementing the fact that what I was doing wasn’t just about tattoos, it was about breaking barriers and creating representation in a space that often overlooks black women like me.
InkySPA is the heart of everything I’ve worked for. It’s more than just a tattoo studio, it’s a Tattoo Spa, a space I built to merge the artistry of tattoos with the healing benefits of skincare. Here, clients don’t just leave with new ink, they leave with renewed confidence, smoother skin, and a story of transformation written into their bodies.
Every time I create, I carry with me the lessons from my childhood, the strength of my family, and the resilience that kept me going when the odds were stacked against me. From being that little girl in Chicago with big dreams, to becoming the first Black woman to open a Tattoo Spa, my journey has been about more than ink, it’s been about faith, perseverance, and creating a space where others feel seen, transformed, and inspired.
I started in my grandmother’s basement with nothing but determination and a dream. Today, I stand as the Cover-Up Queen of Chicago and the proud founder of InkySPA Tattoo Studio the first ever Tattoo Spa. My story is proof that no matter where you begin, you can transform your life, just like I transform ink, one tattoo at a time.”
At InkySPA, we offer tattoos, body waxing, facials, all designed to give clients a full experience of both artistry and relaxation. My goal is to help people not only look their best but feel empowered and confident in their skin. Whether it’s creating a meaningful tattoo, transforming old ink with a cover-up, or giving someone their first facial, I see it as a way to heal, transform, and uplift.
What sets InkySPA apart is the fusion of art and wellness. Most tattoo shops don’t prioritize self-care and esthetics, and most spas don’t include tattoo artistry but I wanted to create a space that bridges both worlds. It’s about more than a tattoo or a treatment, it’s about creating a personalized, memorable experience.
I’m most proud of being able to represent Black women in an industry where we’re often underrepresented, and of building a business that breaks traditional boundaries. For me, InkySPA isn’t just a studio, it’s a movement. It’s about changing the way people view tattoo culture, normalizing self-expression, and creating safe spaces where clients feel celebrated, seen, and cared for.
What I want people to know is that everything I do, whether it’s tattoos, skin treatments, or community collaborations comes from a place of passion, creativity, and purpose. InkySPA is more than just a brand; it’s a reflection of who I am as an artist, a healer, and a businesswoman dedicated to transforming ink and skin, one client at a time.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My story of resilience is rooted in the fact that I’ve been underestimated more times than I can count but I’ve always turned that into motivation. As a Black woman in the tattoo industry, I didn’t see many people who looked like me when I was starting out. I spent years working in other artists’ shops, often helping them run their businesses while still building my own brand on the side. It wasn’t always easy balancing both, but it gave me the experience and drive to one day stand fully on my own. I took leaps of faith, like traveling to Las Vegas with nothing but my talent and determination, working in new environments, and proving myself over and over again. I also spent time at Chicago’s Black Ink 9MAG Tattoo Shop, which exposed me to a larger platform and taught me the importance of professionalism, branding, and resilience in the face of constant pressure. Each step sharpened my skills, tested my patience, and showed me what it really takes to thrive in this industry.
Now, as the proud owner of InkySPA Tattoo Studio, I look back at those years of grinding in other people’s shops and pushing through the obstacles, and I realize they prepared me for this moment. My resilience comes from knowing that every setback, every “no,” and every long night was shaping me into the woman and business owner I am today. I didn’t just survive this journey I transformed it into my own lane, creating Chicago’s first tattoo spa and building a space that represents empowerment, creativity, and ownership.
One of the biggest tests of my resilience came when I decided to open InkySPA. Merging two industries tattooing and esthetics wasn’t something people were used to seeing, and I had to face a lot of skepticism. Some people didn’t understand the vision, and there were times I questioned whether others would embrace it. But I knew in my heart that I was creating something unique and needed, so I pushed forward.
There were many challenges, finding the right space, balancing financial risks, and navigating the demands of running a business as a woman of color in industries that can often be male-dominated. But instead of letting those obstacles stop me, I used them as fuel. I’ve always believed that resilience isn’t just about surviving hard times, it’s about using them to grow, innovate, and keep moving forward with purpose.
Now, when I see clients walk into InkySPA and experience the fusion of body art and self-care, something that started as just a dream. I’m reminded that resilience is about staying rooted in your vision, even when the world doesn’t quite see it yet. That lesson continues to guide me as both an artist and an entrepreneur.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the power to transform and the freedom we have as artist. Every time I sit with a client, whether it’s creating a custom tattoo, doing a cover-up, or providing skincare, I get to take something that may hold pain, insecurity, or just a blank canvas and turn it into something beautiful, empowering, and deeply personal. Seeing the way people light up when they look in the mirror or see their tattoo healed for the first time is a feeling that never gets old. What I love most is that my art becomes part of someone’s story. Tattoos aren’t just ink, they are memories, milestones, and symbols of strength. And skincare isn’t just about beauty, it’s about confidence and self-care. Knowing I can give people both makes this work so meaningful.
As a Black woman creative, I’m also proud that my artistry opens doors for others who don’t always see themselves represented in this industry. It’s rewarding to not only create art, but to inspire, break barriers, and redefine what’s possible for women of color in tattooing and business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.inkyspa.com
- Instagram: @ink_by_tisha and @inkyspa
- Facebook: Ink by Tisha
- Other: Tik tok: InkySPA
Image Credits
Shonte Myles